TTD postpones Tirumala temple gold plating works, to call for global tenders

TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman Y V Subba Reddy said that the gold plating works of Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala would be postponed for five to six months. The revised date for the same will be decided soon, he informed.

Speaking to the media here on Friday, the Chairman, accompanied by TTD Executive Officer A V Dharma Reddy, said that the gold plating works at Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple in Tirupati were delayed as the local contractor had not completed the work within the stipulated time.

To avoid a similar situation cropping up in Tirumala, the TTD is now looking for global tenders for the gold plating works of Ananda Nilayam gopuram (dome) of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple within the specified period, he said. As the tendering process and other prerequisites are time-consuming, it was decided to postpone the works by 5 to six months. He however cautioned the potential tenders that such delay would not be entertained and therefore the works should be completed in the given time.

The TTD board has in the past decided to take up gold plating works of Ananda Nilayam Gopuram from March 1, 2023 and complete it within six months. The gold plating works, however, were taken up by the TTD without causing hindrances to pilgrim worship at the temple.